One of the dolphins told me all the shark sightings at San O are rumors SUP crews are spreading to clear the lineup of legit surfers. By the way, the 2012 SUP boards have deep hulls, 3 seats, and 1/2 hp outboards– they are now calling them SDP (sit down paddle) and they look a lot like canoes.

For those offering specious arguments that the next thing is a boat (the old reductio ad absurdum argument) clearly don’t know their surfing history. Boats were the first things to catch waves! Then, if you want to be really genuine, get yourself a 100lb, 11′ wooden log with no leash or wax. And no wetsuit. And don’t bring your little shortboard made of high tech material with quad fins, etc. Anyway, you probably sit around waiting a lot for waves in the cold water waiting for mr. Sharky to nibble. I don’t blame you for being envious of the obvious enjoyment SUPrs get. One day, when you get that assistant manager promotion at Mickey D’s, you too will be able to afford a used SUP and you will buy it.

I’m in Maui for a while and can’t tell you how many local kamaina Hawaiians are learning to SuP right now. They “get” it. You don’t. But in 5 years, 50% of surfers will have sups in their quiver and the longboard’s popularity will drop precipitously. You’ll see.

SUP is going through the same pattern as snowboarding did.